State Representative Adam Schnelting of eastern Missouri’s St. Charles wants to change the legal definition of marriage to a domestic union. During a Missouri House committee hearing today, Schnelting, a licensed minister and former pastor, says he’s sponsoring a bill because he says marriage is not the government’s business.
Speaking on behalf of LGBT organization PROMO, Washington University Law Professor Denise Lieberman opposes the legislation and says more than 1,000 federal benefits are attached to the institution of legal marriage.
Other arguments include what this bill would do to marriages involving child custody cases and adoption rights, gay couples, and how a civil union would be recognized in other states for married couples moving to and from Missouri.
Lisa and Karl Weslin of southwest Missouri’s Springfield oppose the bill and fear it would put their retirement years in jeopardy, including their social security, insurances, and medical and survivor benefits. Lisa Weslin says marriage is the bedrock of society.
The committee has not voted on the measure.
